Archives & Genealogy

Library Collection

The library's Archives & Genealogy section is located on the second floor of the Main Library.  While being a depository to help retain information pertinent to the history of Belleville and the library, it also includes an impressive genealogical collection for St. Clair County and the surrounding counties.

Databases for Archives & Ancestry

Access other on-line databases for Archives and Ancestry records. 

Belleville News-Democrat Collection  

Research Belleville history through the Belleville News-Democrat Collection with coverage from 1901 through current. Study trends, issues, events, advertisements, companies and more through historical and current full newspaper pages, full-text articles and content only published online. Available remotely 24/7 on any device.

Walnut Hill Cemetery Records

View burial records and maps for Walnut Hill Cemetery; the city-owned cemetery located 1101 Mascoutah Avenue in Belleville.  

Library Research Policy

The library's archives staff does not do extensive, general family research, but will search indexed material for specific names in a specific record (i.e. an obituary for a time range from a particular community newspaper held by the library.)  The fee is $2.50 per name per record, payable by cash or check to the Belleville Public Library. 

Requests for research can be made the following ways: 

Online - Use the Archives & Genealogy Information Request Form 

In Person - Visit the 2nd floor of the Main Library located at 121 E. Washington St.

By Email - Send detailed requests to archives@belleville.net

By Mail - Send detailed requests to: Belleville Public Library, Archives Section, 121 E. Washington St., Belleville, IL, 62220. Requests must include a stamped, self addressed envelope and a check for $2.50, made payable to the Belleville Public Library.

By Phone - Requests can be made by calling 618-234-0441.

 

Digitized Items

 
Below you will find links to view digitized items from the library collection.  Belleville city directories, library related material, and historical items are included.  All items are in PDF format.

City Directories

1860 Belleville City Directory

1868-1869 Belleville City Directory

1877 Belleville City Directory

1884 Belleville City Directory

1891-1892 Belleville City Directory, East St. Louis City Directory, and St. Clair County Gazetteer

1894-1895 Belleville City Directory

1896-1897 Belleville City Directory

1904-1905 Belleville City Directory

1906-1907 Belleville City Directory

1908-1909 Belleville City Directory